Catalog holder structure



March 5, 1963 H. LA FLEUR CATALOG HOLDER STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 20, 1961 INVEN TOR. 46 fi eczw/ a fl BY o 0- W J 24, @7757/7(% March 5, 1963 H. LA FLEUR 3,079,725-

CATALOG HOLDER STRUCTURE Filed April 20, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 22 w A I \a I I ie W H4}! III NII '1 INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,979,725 CATALQG HGLEER STRUCTURE Hector La Fleur, 4527 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, Ill. Filed Apr. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 104,3d6 12 Claims. (Ci. 45-60) This invention relates generally to holder or support structures for books and more particularly, relates to a novel holder or support structure for catalogs and the like which is adapted to be installed on a sign or bulletin frame.

Although not necessarily limited thereto, the structure embodying invention is especially suitable for use by mail order, merchandise discount and the like businesses which employ large catalogs referred to by customers for selecting and placing orders for merchandise. Another 1ntended use for the invention is in automobile showrooms, for instance, wherein the said structure can be installed in a readily accessible and convenient position for reference to the catalog secured thereon in conjunction with desirable advertising or other promotional material. In connection with this use of catalogs and the like, it has been common to provide counters or desks or other fixtures in the business establishment upon which the catalog was laid for reference and use. However, such fixtures are expensive, occupy large volumes of space and are not sufiiciently mobile to an advantageous extent. Insofar as I am aware, there has been no previous attempt to utilize conventional sign and bulletin frames for supporting a book holder or support structure on which the catalog would be displayed for easy reference thereto. Such bulletin frames occupy relatively little space, are much more economical and mobile than counters or desks and have an additional advantage of being able to carry advertising and promotional material calling attention not only to the catalog from which orders can be placed but also, to special sale items and the like.

Accordingly, it is a major object of the invention to provide a book holder or support structure of the character described which is especially adapted to be removablv mounted on a conventional sign or bulletin frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the character described which can be mounted on the bulletin or sign frame and which when so mounted, is not required to be removed in order to permit installation and replacement of bulletins on the frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the character described which includes, a canted base member having a book-binding means medially secured thereon, said base member having means for removably securing said structure in the channels of a sign or bulletin frame without obstructing the channels thereof whereby signs or bulletins can be installed and replaced without requiring removal of said structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the character described in which said securing means include jaw means along opposite sides of the base member adapted to be releasably clamped to a portion of the channel of the side framing members of the bulletin frame and brace means for supporting said structure on the bottom framing member of the bulletin frame, said bracing means constructed to retain the base member in a slanted position relative to the bulletin frame when in use.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a structure of the character described which is economical to manufacture, which is sturdy, and which is adaptable for use with conventional sign frames formed of interconnected channel-shaped framing members.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description thereof.

ice

A preferred embodiment has been described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the drawings accompanying same. llinor variations in the size, arrangement, proportion and construction of the several parts of the invention may occur to the skilled artisan without departing from the scope or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters are used to designate the same or equivalent parts throughout the several figures thereof:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hol er structure embodying the invention illustrated operably installed upon a conventional sign holder, a portion of said holder being broken away to show structural features thereof.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3 and in the general direction indicated.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken through holder structure along line 3-4; of FIG. 2 with a corner broken away to show details thereof.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the holder structure shown in FIG. 1 with portions removed to show the means for supporting said support on the bottom end of said framing member preparatory to being engaged on a leg of the bottom framing member.

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged view of the said corner portion broken away in FIG. 3 and illustrating the means for securing the holder structure to the sides of the framing member.

HQ. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view taken from a side of a modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the catalog holder structure embodying the invention is designated generally by the reference character 2% The reference character 22 represents a conventional sign or bulletin frame in conjunction with which the holder structure 2%} especially is adapted for use. Ordinarily, the bulletin frame is supported on a column or standard 24 secured upright on the pedestal 26 and suitably rigidiiied, for instance, by the brace 23. The frame 22 has an open, substantially rectangular configuration provided by the pair of vertically arranged side framing members 35}, a bottom framing member 32 and a top framing member 3 The framing members are channel-shaped in cross-section preferably formed of metal which may be extruded to shape. A continuous channel 36 is provided by the framing members opening inwardly and at least on the side members 349 and the bottom member 32. The top framing member 34 ordinarily may be open as een at 38 for inserting a bulletin or placard so into the frame 22. The width of the channel 36 may permit installation of a pair of bulletins back-to-back.

The structure 20 includes a base or platform 42 preferably formed of sheet metal to provide a planar support surface of generally rectangular configuration for a catalog or book 43. Secured transversely across the medial portion of the platform 42 is a book binder device '44- which may consist of the conventional ring binder so as to permit removal of t re catalog 43 as desired. The device 44 may be secured permanently on the platform 42 by rivets or other suitable fasteners or may be removably secured thereon so as to permit concurrent removal of the binder and book as a unit. Upstanding adjacent the bottom of the platform are plate members 46 which provide giealigs for supporting the bottom edges of pages of the The platform 42 has a pair of depending flanges 43 and 50 integral with opposite longitudinal edges thereof and preferably coextensive in length therewith. When the structure 26 is installed on the frame 22, the flange 48 will be at the upper end of the platform and the flange 5t) will be at the bottom end thereof and hence, flanges 48 and 59 will be referred to as the top flange and hottom flange respectively. Secured to the top flange '48 are jaw or clamp means 52, there being a pair of such clamp means 52 of identical construction and at opposite ends of the flange 48-. Said means 52 comprise a pair of resilient metal strips or fingers 54 and 56 secured at respective ends thereof on opposite surfaces of the flange 48 by means of rivets 58. The strips or fingers 54 and 56 protrude outwardly of the flange 48 spaced apart along the length of their protruding portions. The protruding end portions of the strips 54 and 56 are movable one toward the other for clamping purposes by means of the tightening bolt 69 and wing nut 62 threaded on the bolt, the bolt being engaged through'the strips and flange 48 sandwiched therebetween. The bolt 60 is located adjacent an end of the flange 48 for drawing the protruding end portions of the strips 54 and 56 one toward the other a suflicient amount permitted by the resilience of the metal stri s.

racing means 64 are provided along each side and upon the rear of the platform '42. A pair of such means are employed, each comprising a pair of metal strips 66 and 68 secured together at adjacent ends to provide a right-angle configuration. When the structure 20 is installed on frame 22, the strip 66 is vertically arranged and the strip 68 is substantially horizontal. Metal strip 66 is joined at its upper end to the flange 48 by rivet 58. As seen in FIG. 5, the end 69 of the strip 66 is interposed between flange 48 and finger 56. As a result, the protruding portions of strips 54 and 56 are separated a distance corresponding to the combined thickness of flange 48 and metal strip 66. As will be discussed, this distance normally is greater than the thickness of a leg of the channel 36. The opposite end of strip 66 terminates in a protruding finger 70 which is offset in a direction away from the strip 68 and from the remaining portion of strip 66 to provide a shoulder 72 thereon. The strip 68 is bent at 73 to provide an end portion 74 which is designed to abut the undersurface of platform 42 and be secured thereto, as by rivets or spot welding. The opposite end of the strip 68 has a right-angle bend 76 to provide the upwardly directed flange 78 which is secured to the strip 66 as by rivets 80 inwardly of the finger 70 and shoulder 72. The strip 68 may have a strengthening rib 79 extending along a substantial part of the length thereof. The oifset o-f finger 70 provides a space or recess 81 between shoulder 72 and bend 76.

When the structure 20 is properly installed, the fingers 72 are disposed on the interior of the channel 36 of the bottom framing member 32 abutting the leg portion 82 of said member 32. The shoulders 72 are supported on the top edge of the leg portion 82 with said portion 82 received in space 81 so that the channel 36 of member 32 is substantially unobstructed between the fingers 72 and the second leg portion 82' of the channel. The bend 76 is in front of portion 82 so as to lock the structure on member 32. This space is designated 84 and it will be seen to continue around to the side framing members 30. The structure 20 is narrower than the width of the'opening of frame'22, however, strips 54 and 56 protrude outwardly of the flange 48 sufiiciently to engage the leg portion 86 of the adjacent side framing member 30 therebetween. The wing nut 62 can be tightened to clamp strips 54 and 56 upon said leg 86. Because of the normal spacing between the protruding portions of the members 54 and 56, when nut 62 is tightened, the strip 56 will be bent or depressed inwardly as indicated at 88 in FIG. to bias the extremity 90 of strip 56 toward the opposite extremity 92 of strip 54. The leg portion 86 will be gripped between the extremities 90 and 92 of the strips 54 and 56 respectively with extremity 90 under tension.

As seen in the drawings, the platform 42 is secured on the frame '22 in a canted position suitable for supporting the catalog 43 in a convenient position for reference thereto. The platform 42 slopes downwardly from the top flange 48 thereof and is braced in its downwardly canted position on the frame 22 by the brace means 64. The end portions 74 support the bottom end of the platform in the desired position and resist dropping of the bottom end of the platform when weight is applied thereagainst during use of the catalog. The clamp means 52 prevent the structure 20 from being pushed through the frame 22 or separated outwardly therefrom.

With the structure 20 installed on the frame 22, there is still provided the space 84 which extends the length of bottom framing member 32 and up along the side framing members 30 for receiving one or more bulletins or signs 40. If desired, a second structure 20 can be secured on the frame 22 extending outwardly from the side thereof opposite the first structure 20 installed thereon.

Referring to FIG. 6, a modified form of the invention is represented generally by the reference character 100. The structure is substantially identical to the structure 20 with the exception of a modification in the bracing means 64 thereof. Said bracing means 64' has a strip member 66 which is identical to the strip 66 and is secured to the platform 42' in the same manner as described for structure 20. The strip 102 which corresponds to strip 68 is different. Said strip 102 is a length of spring metal having limited resilience. The strip 102 normally slightly arcuate in configuration with one end thereof bent to provide the end portion 74' which is secured to the bottom end of the platform 42'. The opposite end is bent as at 76' to provide the desired upwardly extending flange 78' which is secured to the strip 66. The strip 102' is capable of bending slightly to the dotted line position thereof shown in FIG. 6 when a force is applied downwardly on the platform 42' during use of the catalog 44. Although somewhat exaggerated in FIG. 6, the ability of the strip 102 to bend slightly increases the strength of the structure and prevents any tendency of the strip 102 to break. Although strip 102 has been shown as having an arcuate configuration, a similar eifect could be achieved by providing a sharper bend in strip 102 intermediate the ends thereof as distinguished from the arcuate shape thereof illustrated. The resilience of the strip 102 would resist breaking thereof when a heavy weight is applied upon the platform 42' during use of the catalog, such as a person resting his elbows thereon.

It is believed the invention has been described sulficiently to enable the skilled artisan to understand and practice .the same. The invention has been pointed out in the claims in language intended to be broadly and liberally construed commensurate with the achievement represented thereby.

Iclaim:

1;. A support structure for catalogsand the like adapted to be installed upon a sign frame of open, substantially rectangular configuration having side and bottom framing members of channel-shape cross-section and an open top end, said structure comprising, a base member having means for holding a catalog thereon, and means adapted to be releasably engaged both with said side and bottom framing members in the channels thereof for removably securing said structure on said sign frame substantially spaced from said top end and with said base protruding outwardly of and at a downwardly canted angle relative to said frame whereby to permit a sign to be installed and replaced through said top end without requiring removal of the structure from said frame, said sign being visible in said space between said base and top end of the frame.

2. A structure as described in claim 1 in which said second mentioned means include clamping means adapted to be releasably clamped to a portion of the channel of each of said side framing members, and brace means adapted to be engaged with said bottom framing member.

3. A structure as described in claim 2 in which said clamping means comprise a pair of spaced apart fingers facing one another and secured at respective ends thereof to said base and having opposite end portions protruding;

outwardly of the base for engaging said portion of the said framing members, and means intermediate the ends thereof for releasably clamping said end portions to said pordons of the side framing members.

4. A structure as described in claim 2 in which said brace means comprises, a first vertically arranged elongate member secured at one end thereof to said base member and a second elongate member secured at one end thereof to the opposite end of said first member and at the opposite end thereof to said base, and means adjacent the connection of said first and second members adapted to be engaged upon a portion of the bottom framing member and in the channel thereof for supporting the structure on said bottom framing member.

5. A structure as described in claim 4 in which said second elongate member comprises, an angular springmetal strip.

6. A structure as described in claim 4 in which said elongate members are connected at right angles one to theother.

7. A structure as described in claim 4 in which said last mentioned means comprises an extension of said first elongate member having an oflset shoulder adapted to be engaged upon said bottom framing member.

8. A support structure for catalogs and the like adapted to be releasably installed upon a substantially rectangular bulletin frame having side and bottom framing members of inwardly opening U-shaped configuration and an open top end, said structure comprising, a substantially rectangular platform having flange means along a longitudinal edge thereof and means on the platform for holding a catalog thereon, clamping means secured on said flange means for engaging one leg of each of said side framing members spaced from said top end, and brace means adjacent opposite side edges of said platform and secured between said flange means and the platform adapted to engage one leg of said bottom framing member for supporting said structure on the frame with the platform canted downwardly and outwardly relative said framing members and the framing members capable of receiving a sign therein behind said clamping means and said brace means and visible in said space between the platform and said top end of the frame.

9. The structure as claimed in claim 7 in which said brace means and said clamping means have a common connection to said flange means.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 7 in which said clamping means comprise two pairs of strip members, the members of each pair being juxtaposed one the other with one of the respective ends thereof being fixedly secured to opposite sides of said flange means with said flange means sandwiched therebetween, and means are provided spaced from the fixedly secured ends of said strip members for clamping same upon said one leg of said U-shaped side framing member.

11. A support structure for catalogs and the like adapted to be removably installed within the channels of a substantially rectangular, open channeled sign frame holder whereby the sign may be installed and replaced without removing said structure, said support structure comprising a downwardly canted platform of sheet metal or the like having a flange member integral with and depending from the upper longitudinal edge of said platform, clamping means secured to said flange member and extending outward therefrom for grasping one leg of the channel of the sides of said frame member, said clamping means comprising a pair of resilient metal strip members juxtaposed one the other and secured at one of the respective ends thereof to said flange with said flange sand Wiched therebetween, adjustable tightening means secured to said strip members for drawing said strips one toward the other, said tightening means located between the respective opposite ends of said strips, and brace means connected between said flange and platform for supporting said platform in said canted position upon the bottom of the frame.

12. The structure described in claim 7 where-in said brace means comprise, a pair of vertical metal strip members and a pair of second metal strip members transverse to said vertical members, said vertical members secured at their upper ends respectively to said flange between said flange and one of the strip members of said clamping rneans, and secured at its lower end to one of said second strip members, said second strip members having one end portion thereof bent at a right angle configuration and the other end thereof bent obliquely, the right angle portion being fixedly secured to the lower end of said vertical strip and the oblique portion being secured to the lower end portion of the plat-form member, the juncture of each of the vertical and second strip members having an offset finger extending outward therefrom to form a shoulder portion, said ofiset finger adapted to bear against the interior of one leg of the channel of said bottom framing member and the shoulder portion adapted to be engaged upon said leg.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,289,897 Phillips Dec. 31, 1918 2,162,025 McClaughry June 13, 1939 2,721,417 Dickinson Oct. 25, 1955 2,814,154 Krueger Nov. 26, 1957 

1. A SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR CATALOGS AND THE LIKE ADAPTED TO BE INSTALLED UPON A SIGN FRAME OF OPEN, SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR CONFIGURATION HAVING SIDE AND BOTTOM FRAMING MEMBERS OF CHANNEL-SHAPE CROSS-SECTION AND AN OPEN TOP END, SAID STRUCTURE COMPRISING, A BASE MEMBER HAVING MEANS FOR HOLDING A CATALOG THEREON, AND MEANS ADAPTED TO BE RELEASABLY ENGAGED BOTH WITH SAID SIDE AND BOTTOM FRAMING MEMBERS IN THE CHANNELS THEREOF FOR REMOVABLY SECURING SAID STRUCTURE ON SAID SIGN FRAME SUBSTANTIALLY SPACED FROM SAID TOP END AND WITH SAID BASE PROTRUDING OUTWARDLY OF AND AT A DOWNWARDLY CANTED ANGLE RELATIVE TO SAID FRAME WHEREBY TO PERMIT A SIGN TO BE INSTALLED AND REPLACED THROUGH SAID TOP END WITHOUT REQUIRING REMOVAL OF THE STRUCTURE FROM SAID FRAME, SAID SIGN BEING VISIBLE IN SAID SPACE BETWEEN SAID BASE AND TOP END OF THE FRAME. 